Anthony J. Rhodes arrested after $10,000 Walmart jewelry theft fire
Anthony J. Rhodes was arrested Thursday after authorities said he used camping fuel and fireworks to start a fire inside a walmart in Elkton, Maryland, while stealing nearly $10,000 in jewelry. He is now in a Camden County jail awaiting extradition to Maryland on charges that include first-degree arson and manufacturing an explosive device.
Elkton Walmart fire
Authorities said Rhodes, 36, of Berlin, New Jersey, brought camping fuel and several boxes of fireworks into the store on the night of April 29. Security video showed a masked man entering with a backpack, loading a grocery cart, and parking it next to the children's clothing section before setting it ablaze.
Customers and staff ran for the exits as the fire grew and fireworks began exploding inside the store. Firefighters from the Singerly Fire Company extinguished the flames quickly, and direct fire damage was limited to around $5,000.
Jewelry counter theft
Authorities said the suspect smashed into the store's jewelry counter and stole nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise before fleeing on a motorcycle. Rhodes was wearing a Jefferson University Baseball T-shirt during the heist, though authorities said he had no connection to Jefferson University or its sports teams.
The fire did more than damage the building. Walmart said smoke, soot, and cleanup led to $10 million in lost inventory at the Elkton store, turning the episode into a costly loss tied to one alleged break-in and one fire.
Jason Mowbray statement
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, the ATF, and Walmart Global Investigations assisted with the investigation. Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said, "Working side-by-side with our ATF partners and Walmart Global Investigations, our team was able to identify a suspect quickly."
He added, "Investigations such as these require an all-hands approach, and I am proud of everyone who was able to bring this case to a close." Rhodes remains in custody as Maryland prosecutors move ahead with the arson and explosive-device case.
